Recipes, Crafting, Photography, Babbling and more!

Caprese BLT with Balsamic Syrup & Sundried Tomato Mayo

What a heat wave we’ve got going on! And who wants to cook when it’s this stinkin hot!! But you still have to eat so how about a BLT? How about dressing up the old stand-by BLT and making it a Caprese BLT?

I made the bacon the easy way, I nuked it!!! I’d rather do it in the oven but what’s the point of firing up the oven when I’m trying to avoid cooking and making the kitchen hotter than it already is!!

I found this bread at grocery store, I have to admit, as many times as I have browsed the bakery aisles at my store I have never seen this bread. Actually, it’s a roll. Saloio Padinha. Found it over by the muffins, bagels, and….rolls!!! Who knew! I cut the roll in half and popped it in my toaster over until it was just slightly toasted.

Sliced my tomato and the mozzarella cheese, gathered my lettuce (about a half cup) and at the last-minute decided to make the mayo a little fancy. I put about a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the tiny little food chopper (electric) that I have, and sent them on a whirl. Then I added about a 1/4 cup of mayo and sent that on a little trip until it was blended.

I also made balsamic syrup. I put 1 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and added about a heaping 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Brought it to a boil and then turned it back to a simmer for about 20 minutes or so, just when it has reduced by about half and was thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Then I started layering. The mayo went on first, then about 3 slices of bacon (okay it was 4), then the lettuce, the tomato was small so I carefully placed about 3 tomato slices next, topped it with a few slivers of the mozzarella cheese and drizzled the cooled balsamic syrup over the top. Salt and pepper if you wish but I don’t think it’s necessary.